Jewels of Myanmar

Upon arrival at Yangon airport, you’ll meet with your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to relax or to explore the city. We recommend considering a look at Yangon after dark with a stroll through the buzzing city streetsto the Night Market. You’ll have the opportunity to sample authentic Myanmar street food and mingle with locals at the stalls as you experience the warm and welcoming environment of Yangon’s street food culture. 

Along with your guide, you’ll spend the morning exploring the streets of Yangon, which continues to retain much of its former charm despite some modern developments and a growing population. Start with the Sule Pagoda, over 2,000 years old, and Mahabandoola Park, with locals going about their daily activities, before taking a stroll through downtown Yangon. You’ll visit the Central Post Office and Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, known for its Reclining Buddha statue. Take some time for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the National Museum, home to priceless artefacts from Myanmar’s past. Later you will visit the Bogyoke Market before heading to the Indian Quarter. End the day with a visit to the magnificent Shwegadon Pagoda, one Buddhism’s most sacred sites, before returning to your hotel for dinner at your leisure. (B,L)

Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport by a private vehicle for your short flight to Bagan (ticket included). Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your local representative and guide to begin your full day tour of the city. You’ll begin with a visit to Shwezigon Pagoda and Ananda Temple. Later, make a short excursion to the Anauk Pwa Saw Village to observe cotton weavers at their craft followed by a visit to the Minanthu Village, known for producing peanut oil. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for a short rest. In the late afternoon, you will visit the Dhammayangyi Pagoda, Bagan’s largest and best preserved temple. Finally, enjoy a sunset view from one of the most scenic spots overlooking the plains of Bagan before returning to your hotel for the remainder of the evening and dinner at your leisure.(B,L)

Your morning is free to enjoy at your leisure before meeting your guide in the afternoon to begin your drive to Kyauk Gu U Min Temple with an en route stop at Nyaung U market. Kyauk Gu U Min Temple, also known as the Cave Temple, was built into the side of a cliff and is home to many statues, images and frescoes of Buddha. Learn about the legend behind this historical site where it is believed locals hid from invading Mongols. Today, the Temple is mainly used to practice meditation. From Kyauk Gu U Min, you will board a local boat and head to Buu Phayar along the Ayeyarwaddy River. Soak up the scenery as you drift slowly to the jetty, where a horse cart will be waiting to take you back to Buu Phayar for a beautiful sunset viewing. Return to your hotel for the remainder of the evening and dinner at your leisure. (B)

Enjoy a final breakfast in Bagan before taking your private transfer to the airport for your flight to Heho. Upon arrival, you will meet your local representative for your private transfer to your Inle Lake hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the serene beauty of Inle Lake. Take some time to watch the fishermen artfully maneuvering their nets and boats, a photographer’s dream scene! (B)

This morning you will leave your hotel for a full day exploring the freshwater Inle Lake, Myanmar’s second largest. Enjoy a boat trip on the lake to the floating gardens, observing en route the beautiful surroundings including Inle’s famous leg-rowers who display remakrable balance in using just one leg to propel their boats. After lunch at a local restaurant on shore, you’ll head southwest of the lake to visit the Inthein Pagoda Complex. Walk along a small covered path from Pa O Village to a monastery and the very impressive ruins of hundreds of ancient pagodas, some engulfed by the indegenous vegetation. The main stupa area on the top of the hill offers breathatking views over the surroundings and into the valley with the lake in the distance. Return to your hotel for the remainder of the evening and dinner at your leisure. (B,L)

Rise early to visit the rural, yet bustling five-day market – so called because the location, chosen by the local minority group, changes every five days. Visit the market and observe locals and several minority groups wearing traditional costumes trading in animals and farm produce. The vibrant atmosphere of the market makes it a memorable, lively experience. After exploring the market, return to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B,L)

Enjoy a final breakfast in Myanmar before taking your private transfer to the airport for your short flight to Heho. Upon arrival, make your way to the international terminal to connect with your return flight home. (B)